In the State of Florida, some exotic animals are allowed to be kept as pets without obtaining a permit or license for them. These species of animals are not considered to pose a threat to human safety, according to Florida Wildlife Commission.
1. Gerbils
In Florida, a permit or license is not required to possess Gerbils as personal pets. The most popular species of gerbil commonly kept as a pet is the Mongolian gerbil. With a typical lifespan of 3-4 years, these fascinating pets are known to be easy and inexpensive to care for. In addition, Gerbils are clean pets with minimal odor. However, for them to stay happy and healthy with you, Gerbils do have some special requirements. According to the Animal Humane Society, gerbils need to live in a pair or groups because of their social nature.
2. Hedgehogs
In the Sunshine State, no permit is needed to possess a Hedgehog as a personal pet. There are many species of hedgehog, though the four-toed hedgehog is the one most commonly kept as a pet. With an average life span of 4 to 6 years, hedgehogs are incredibly rewarding and fun to keep as pets. However, as a low-maintenance pet for your household, a hedgehog will need some special care. Moreover, their sharp quills can make them difficult to handle. Lately, there’s been an increasing interest in possessing hedgehogs as pets in the US, particularly in Florida. According to Hedgehog World, you should go for hedgehogs if you’re looking for a unique pet.
3. Honey possums
You don't need a permit to own a honey possum as a pet In Florida. As one of the world's smallest marsupials, honey possums have a typical lifespan of 1-2 years. They feed on the nectar and pollen of different types of flowering plants. The animals have long tongues that enable them to take in nectar and pollen. Furthermore, without enough amount of nectar, honey possums wouldn't survive, which unfortunately makes them unsuitable to be kept as pets.
4. Sugar gliders
Even though they are allowed to be kept as pets in Florida and some other states, sugar gliders, according to multiple sources, do not make good pets. With a usual lifespan between 10 to 15 years, sugar gliders have complex needs that can never be met in captivity. However, according to some pet owners who have domesticated the unique animals, sugar gliders make great little pets. The animals love eating sugary foods, especially fruits and vegetables, and consequently got the name Sugar glider.
5. Squirrels
Squirrels were once one of the most popular pets in the United States. However, they are nowadays considered vermin, a negative view that wasn't always the standard. Nevertheless, it is legal to keep them as pets without a permit in Florida. Moreover, keeping squirrels as pets requires relatively little work as they are easy to care for. Pet squirrels are fun to watch scamper around your backyard or neighborhood. In captivity, the Eastern gray squirrel can live up to twenty years, according to ESF.
6. Ferrets
According to many pet owners, ferrets are cuddly, curious, playful, and fun-loving pets that can bring endless entertainment to a family. Their social nature makes them great pets. However, they don't make great pets for children because they can bite hard if startled. As obligate carnivores, pet ferrets should only eat a meat-based diet. The typical lifespan of a ferret is between five to ten years. In Florida, you can keep domestic ferrets and European ferrets as pets without obtaining a permit.
7. Guinea pigs
With an average life expectancy between five to seven years, you can enjoy Guinea pigs as pets. These species of rodents are fun to play with and can easily get attached to their owners. When compared to other exotic animals on this list, Guinea pigs are easy to care for and require an average of 10 to 15 minutes of maintenance every day. Furthermore, Guinea pigs make great pets for children.
8. Prairie dogs
Prairie dogs are incredibly becoming popular as pets in the United States. These species of rodents are active and playful. If purchased young and properly socialized, prairie dogs can make fairly affectionate pets. Sociable prairie dogs love lots of human interaction and enjoy receiving attention, according to scientists who studied rodents. On average, a prairie dog can live for up to 8 years in captivity and up to four years in the wild.
Check also: The 24 Animals You Are Not Allowed To Keep As Pets In Florida.
